Akron Zoo seeking names for new babies

AKRON  The Akron Zoo has welcomed two babies, a penguin chick and musk deer fawn, this summer and is looking to the public to help select their names.

The “Oh Deer! Waddle We Name Them?” naming contest, sponsored by Akron Children’s Hospital, started and runs through Aug. 8 at noon. People can choose one of five names for each animal and the name with the most votes will be selected for each baby. Voting is available at akronzoo.org/naming-contest.

Names for the male Humboldt penguin are Guanay, Junio, Maximo, Pacific and Rico.

Options for the female Siberian musk deer fawn are Alina, Katia, Lika, Nadia and Svetlana.

The Humboldt penguin chick hatched on June 1 and is currently in his burrow. To join the colony in the penguin habitat, the chick needs to eat on his own, molt his down feathers and pass a swimming test. He is expected to make his public debut later this summer.

The female Siberian musk deer fawn was born on June 13. The fawn and her mother, Anastasia, are currently bonding in their bedroom. The fawn’s public debut is anticipated in the next week or two. Father, Vlad, is out in the musk deer habitat daily.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $9 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $3. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.